In 2005 the Government introduced the National Security Information Legislation Amendment (Civil Proceedings) Bill 2005. The Bill would make
it difficult for people to disclose certain things related to national security in civil
proceedings.

In AMCRAN's submission, we pointed to the proposed law's effect on
civil proceedings brought against the Government which may have some
element of national security.

We made a number of recommendations to the Committee, some of
which were taken up by the Committee in their final report, which was
tabled on 11 May 2005. You can download a copy of the report here.

AMCRAN made a submission in relation to this and was called
to appear before the Senate Committee to give oral evidence on 13 April
2005 at very short notice. All submissions and the transcript of the
Senate Committee hearing can be accessed here.

In
addition, the AAP reported on our appearance before the Senate
Committee and quoted us extensively in an article that appeared on the Sydney Morning Herald and the Age websites, among a few others.

The Bill was debated in the Senate on 15 and 16 June 2005. AMCRAN's submissions about the breadth of the definition of 'national security' was specifically quoted by Senate Brian Greig. The Hansard for the day's proceedings can be downloaded from here.

Unfortunately the Bill was passed, except for one amendment moved by the Opposition to provide criteria for courts in deciding whether to exercise discretion to stay proceedings. The final text of the Act can be accessed here.